Forget scented moisturisers and scenic beaches, coconuts are also great for the coconut oil they provide. Recently, the potential benefits of coconut oil for Alzheimer’s disease have been suggested.

Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, mostly comprised of medium chain fatty acids, thus creating more ketones than longer chain fatty acid counterparts. So how could this be beneficial for those with Alzheimer’s disease?

In a similar way to diabetes, Alzheimer’s is often associated with impaired insulin signalling. This may impair the ability to utilise glucose as a fuel source in the brain, which is key for brain function. However, coconut oil produces an increase in ketone bodies, which could be used as an alternative fuel source for the brain.

Usually, the body produces very few ketone bodies unless carbohydrates are almost irradicated from an individual’s diet, but coconut oil can create a mild ketogenic effect for up to 8 hours. This could potentially help to improve cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr Mary Newport is central to supporting coconut oil for Alzheimer’s disease after seeing improvements in her husband’s condition. She suggests initially ingesting 1 teaspoon of coconut oil with food 2-3 times a day with meals to prevent the common side effect of diarrhoea (especially prevalent if someone takes too much too soon). Intake can then slowly be increased over time to 4-9 teaspoons as tolerated. Coconut oil can be cooked with, eaten off the spoon or mixed with coffee, yoghurt or a smoothie.

Although the suggested benefits of improved cognitive function and quality of life are largely anecdotal, future research could be promising and coconut oil may have a significant impact on the lives of those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Adie Blanchard – Researcher

References

http://www.coconutketones.com/

Henderson, S. T. (2008). Ketone bodies as a therapeutic for Alzheimer’s disease. Neurotherapeutics, 5(3), 470-480.

Krikorian, R., Shidler, M. D., Dangelo, K., Couch, S. C., Benoit, S. C., & Clegg, D. J. (2012). Dietary ketosis enhances memory in mild cognitive impairment. Neurobiology of Aging, 33(2).